Distinguishing features

Comasterids are distinguised from all other featherstar families by having terminal segments of the oral pinnules modified to form a comb. Comasterids a also have a distinctive "feel" due to well developed hooks on most pinnules that cause them to cling like velcro.

Comanthus parvicirrus adults have 20 to 40 slender arms which are usually longer on one side of the animal than the other. There are a few weak cirri.

The most common colour form around Lizard Island is brown brachials with darker articulations and grey/blue cirri. Specimens not of this colour form are usually mostly dark green. There is not a dark midline on the underside of the arms.

This species is easily confused with Comanthus gisleni and positive identification is difficult unless the animal is extracted from its crevice.

Size

Depth range

Synonyms

Distribution

Distribution and habitat preferences

Comanthus parvicirrus is semi-cryptic, with a few arms protruding from a crevice.

Comanthus parvicirrus can be found almost everywhere around the Lizard Island group. It is common on the reef slopes and is also found in the lagoon and back reef areas.

Web resources

References